Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 4, 2025
At Fairway Friends, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.
1. Information We Collect
Account Information
When you register with Fairway Friends, we collect:
- Authentication Data: Email address, password (encrypted), or Google Sign-In credentials
- Profile Information: Name, date of birth, gender, profile photo
- Golf Details: Handicap, home golf club, play frequency, preferred tee times
- Preferences: Distance preferences, date flexibility, course preferences
Location Data
To provide our core flight discovery service, we collect and process:
- GPS Location: Your current location when using the discovery feature to find nearby flights
- Home Location: Your home city/region for better flight matching
- Flight Locations: Golf courses and locations you select when creating flights
Note: You can control location permissions in your device settings. Disabling location will limit discovery features.
Flight & Interaction Data
We collect information about your activity on Fairway Friends:
- Flights: Flights you create, join requests you send, flights you participate in
- Join Requests: Your join request history and status (pending, accepted, rejected)
- Swipe Actions: Flights you accept, reject, or super-like (for improving matching)
- Rejections: Flights you permanently filter from your discovery feed
- Chat Messages: Messages sent within flight chats (stored securely in Firebase)
- Ratings: 5-star match ratings you provide after completing flights
- Reports: Reports you submit about other users or chats (for safety)
Device & Technical Data
We automatically collect:
- Device type, operating system (iOS/Android), app version
- IP address and general location (country/city level)
- App performance data and crash reports
- Analytics data (feature usage, session duration)
Payment Information
For Premium subscriptions:
- Payment processing is handled by Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- We do not store your credit card information
- We only receive confirmation of successful subscription purchases
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your data to provide and improve Fairway Friends:
Core Services
- Flight Discovery: Show you open flights near you based on location and preferences
- Smart Matching: Rank flights by compatibility (handicap, distance, time preferences)
- Join Request System: Enable you to request to join flights and allow organizers to review requests
- Real-Time Chat: Facilitate communication between flight participants
- Notifications: Send push notifications about join request responses, flight updates, and messages
Platform Improvement
- Algorithm Enhancement: Use swipe actions and match ratings to improve flight recommendations
- Analytics: Track feature usage to identify and fix issues
- Quality Metrics: Analyze match success rates and user satisfaction
- Bug Detection: Use crash reports to identify and resolve technical issues
Safety & Moderation
- Report Handling: Process user and chat reports to enforce community guidelines
- Fraud Prevention: Detect and prevent fake accounts and abusive behavior
- Admin Review: Enable our admin panel to review flagged content (with 2FA security)
Premium Features
- Verify Premium subscription status for unlimited flight creation
- Enable ad-free experience for Premium users
- Provide full chat history access (vs. 30-day limit for free users)
- Deliver priority support to Premium members
3. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- With Other Users: Your profile information is visible to other users for flight matching purposes
- Service Providers: We use third-party services (Firebase, Google Analytics) that may process your data on our behalf
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights
- Business Transfers: In case of merger or acquisition, your data may be transferred
4. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data:
- Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
- Secure Firebase authentication
- Regular security audits
- Access controls and monitoring
5. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
- Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
- Withdraw Consent: Opt out of data processing at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@fairwayfriends.app
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. When you delete your account, we will remove your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it by law.
7. Children's Privacy
Fairway Friends is not intended for users under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
9. Third-Party Services
Fairway Friends integrates the following third-party services. Each has its own privacy policy:
Firebase (Google Cloud)
- Firebase Authentication: Email/password and Google Sign-In
- Cloud Firestore: Real-time database for flights, profiles, and chats
- Firebase Storage: Stores profile photos and golf course images
- Firebase Cloud Messaging: Push notifications for join requests and messages
- Firebase Hosting: Hosts our website (fairwayfriends.app)
Google Services
- Google Maps API: Golf course discovery, location search, and map displays
- Google Places API: Golf course information, photos, and details
- Google Analytics for Firebase: App usage analytics and event tracking
In-App Purchases
- Apple App Store (iOS): Premium subscription billing via StoreKit
- Google Play Store (Android): Premium subscription billing via Play Billing
We do not process or store payment information. All transactions are handled securely by Apple and Google.
Development & Testing
- Flutter/Dart SDK: App framework (no data collection)
- Riverpod: State management library (local only, no data transmission)
Note: We do NOT use any advertising networks or sell your data to third parties.
10. Cookie Policy
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
- Email: privacy@fairwayfriends.app
- Support: support@fairwayfriends.app